The announcement of the Ireland team for the annual three-day match against the MCC at Eglinton on May 23rd to 25th is imminent and word has it that there may be no great surprises in the line-up.

But whatever the make-up of the squad, there is bound to be a new captain as Angus Dunlop is not available. The same may be said for Ed Joyce, so there are at least two places up for grabs.

The job for the new skipper will just be a once-off effort, of course. Dunlop has proved himself as a captain, and presumably will continue in the role. But it will be interesting to see who will take over the reins when the squad for the MCC game is announced. What about Matt Dwyer? It would be a signal honour for the man from The Hills, who also happens to be the captain of the Fingal club this season.

Meantime, the self-same Hills will be seeking their third successive victory in the Leinster 50 Overs League - sponsored by Lewis Traub - when they visit CYM at Terenure today. They had a comfortable six-wicket win over near-neighbours Rush last Saturday, followed by a rather less decisive, two-run success away against Phoenix the following day.

For their part, Phoenix face a tough match against YMCA, even if once more they will be enjoying home advantage. Jeremy Bray will be hoping for rather better luck than came his way last Sunday, when he was run out just two short of his century.

The Ulster Cup gets under way tomorrow. The top match is likely to be that between the holders Instonians - who beat Donemana in last year's final - and mighty Brigade at Shane Park.

Meanwhile, YMCA had an emphatic 76run victory over Dublin University in the Leinster Women's Senior League during the week. YMCA made 159 without loss, with Karen Young scoring 80 and Claire O'Leary hitting 67, before skittling Trinity for 83 runs.